Theatre and Dance (THEA)

USP Codes are listed in brackets by the 1991 USP code followed by the 2003 USP code (i.e. [M2<>QB]).

1000. Introduction to the Theatre. 3. [C3<>CA] A broad examination of theatre through the ages. Designed for students with little or no knowledge of theatre history, production, dramatic literature, creativity art, entertainment and censorship from the dawn of history to the 21st century. (Offered both semesters)

1020. Freshman Seminar: Academic and Professional Issues in Theatre. 3. [(none)<>I, L] Introduces first year theatre and dance students to the basic skills necessary to engage in intellectual discourse in their fields. It aims to advance students' analytical, research, and writing skills by studying the meaning and aesthetics of the performing arts through special topics and Aristotle's poetics. Prerequisites: none.

1021. Freshman Seminar: Academic and Professional Issues in Dance. 1. [(none)<>I, L] Introduces freshman to the discipline of dance and academic study at the University of Wyoming. Key intellectual and literacy concepts will be introduced, including, but not limited to: critical thinking and analysis, knowledge of the discipline, career options, diversity of the discipline, university and region. Prerequisites: none.

1040. Production Crew I. 0.5. Participation in one Departmental production during semester enrolled. Contribute to the preparation and/or actual production of one stage play in the areas(s) of lighting, costume construction, set construction, scenic painting, stage properties, or arts management. Required for all Theatre & Dance freshmen. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (Offered both semesters)

1100. Beginning Acting. 3. [C3<>CA] Explores inner resources of beginning actor and brings these resources to bear upon the art of creating a believable stage image. (Offered both semesters)

1360. Fundamentals of Music for Theatre Majors. 3. Basics of music theory to include music notation, rhythm, pitch, scales, key signatures, triads, and basic ear training and keyboard skills, specific to the needs of Musical Theatre. Assumes little or no music theory background. Prerequisites: none.

1405. Introduction to Pilates Training. 1 (Max. 2). An introduction to Pilates based training, including mat work and exercises on the Reformer. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

2005. Creative Drama in the Classroom. 3. Focuses on K-12 Theatre teaching methods. Students discover teaching methods for integrating improvisation, storytelling, movement/dance, and puppetry into the school curriculum. Students design and implement theatre lessons using these creative drama techniques. To engage real life practice teaching, students are given opportunities to teach creative drama lessons to the class. Prerequisites: none.

2030 [3500]. Beginning Playwriting. 3. [C3, W3<>(none)] Introduces writers to the creative process of playwriting (writing for the stage) or screenwriting (writing for the movies). Strongly emphasizes character and story development, as well as practical side of the industry. Students write a play or screenplay. Prerequisites: WA and THEA 1000, 1100.

2040. Production Crew II. 0.5. Continues the "hands-on" production crew experience provided by Production Crew I. Contribute to a Theatre Department production in the area(s) of lighting, costume construction, set construction, scenic painting, stage properties, stage management, or arts management. Required for all Theatre & Dance majors. Prerequisite: THEA 1040.

2145. Costume Construction. 3. Teaches the basic skills and terminology that are used in costume construction. Teaches hand and machine sewing focusing on techniques used to stitch historical and modern costumes as well as basic knowledge of fabric. Prerequisites: none.

2150. Drafting for Design. 3. Introduces Design and Technical students to the basics of hand drafting and numerous drafting techniques and conventions. After completing this course, students will be well prepared for scenic and lighting design courses. Prerequisite: THEA 1200.

2160. Stage Makeup. 2. Introduction to theatrical makeup with the stage performer in mind. Focus on principles, materials, and techniques; concentrating on problems of designing and executing specific makeup designs and applications for a wide range of ages, types, and styles. Prerequisites: none. (Offered fall semester)

2170. Speech for the Actor. 3. Studies speech techniques, including the International Phonetic Alphabet and Standard American Speech for the Stage. Builds upon the FitzmauriceVoicework technique as well as other voice methodologies. Prerequisites: THEA 1100 and 1700.

2180. Costume Crafts. 3. Focuses on the area of costume crafts which may include but not limited to dyeing, millinery, masks, fabric painting and distressing, working with a variety of materials. Prerequisite: THEA 2145. (Offered spring semester every other year)

2200. Backgrounds of Dance. 3. [C3, G1<>CA, G] Surveys ethnic and theatrical dance forms from primal society to 20th century. Examines the place of the arts as a reflection of the culture. (Offered fall semester)

2220. Stagecraft. 3. Introduces students to basic stage production practices and techniques, including safe rigging practices, set construction, scenic painting, stage properties, and stage lighting. Students are encouraged to participate in "hands-on" demonstrations during classes. (Offered both semesters)

2250. Computer Aided Design I. 3. Introduces students to computer drafting techniques for the Theater using AutoCAD. Students learn the basics of two-dimensional drawing using AutoCAD, and also learn basic drawing standards as they apply to the Theater. Prerequisites: THEA 1200, THEA 2150.

2810. Scenic Painting for the Theatre. 3. Introduces the art of scenic painting by the hands-on use and instruction of a variety of scenic paints, application on select construction materials, the use of unique tools and techniques commonly used to paint scenery for the stage. Safe use and proper handling of such material are addressed. Prerequisite: THEA 2220.

2900. Sound Design for Theatre and Dance. 3. Examines the basic aspects of sound design for the theatre, dance, entertainment and film worlds. Topics covered include recording, sampling, live mixing, playback, and non-linear editing through several software packages. Prerequisite: THEA 2220.

2990. Period Styles in Design for Theatre. 3. Developed to provide an overview of social cultural, art, architecture, music, fashion, literature, and period styles and décor from antiquity to the modern age of western civilization applicable to theatrical stage design. Prerequisites: none.

3021. Foundations of Dance Pedagogy. 1. Introduces students to basic theories and practices of dance pedagogy. Lecture and discussion will be balanced with peer teaching and coaching, observation of lessons and integration within a dance classroom situation with some teaching responsibilities and development of a portfolio with lessons and resources for teaching. Prerequisites: sophomore standing in the department of Theatre and Dance; successful completion of THEA 3420 or THEA 3440.

3100. Kinesiology for Dance. 3. Encompasses seminar in current kinesiology research for dancers. Includes practicum based projects, lectures and supplementary materials. Prerequisite: ZOO 2040. (Offered every third semester)

3160. Advanced Stage Makeup. 2. Extension of Stage Makeup, focusing primarily on the development of a life mask and ultimately prosthetics using a variety of mediums. Prerequisite: THEA 2160.

3180. Drama and Religion. 3. [C3<>(none)] Drama and religion seek to communicate ideas about the ultimate meaning of human life. Both influence and are influenced by the culture from which they developed. Examines plays that are influenced by the Bible, Greek plays whose concepts have influenced Christianity over the centuries, and modern plays that address religious issues. Cross listed with RELI 3180. Prerequisite: junior standing.

3400. Vertical Dance II. 1 (Max. 2). A continuing course in vertical dance emphasizing the math and physics of the rigging; safety and design, choreography and research in the field. Prerequisites: completion of THEA 2400 and consent of instructors.

3410. Classical Ballet III/I. 1 (Max. 2). Continued studies in classical ballet technique. Emphasizes improving technical skills and introducing more advanced steps. Includes research into one discipline of ballet. Prerequisites: successful completion of THEA 1420 or its equivalent and consent of instructor.

3480. Jazz III/I. 1 (Max. 2). An intermediate jazz technique class. Students will learn varying styles of jazz dance, ranging from historical to contemporary, and will perform these for evaluation and incorporate them into class compositions. Prerequisite: THEA 2480. (Offered fall semester)

3490. Jazz III/II. 1 (Max. 2). An advanced class in jazz technique and performance. Students will learn varying styles of jazz dance, ranging from historical to contemporary, and will perform these for evaluation as well as incorporate them into class compositions. Prerequisite: THEA 3480. (Offered spring semester)

3600. Teaching Theatre in Elementary or Secondary School. 3. Focuses on aspects of age appropriate teaching methods, strategies, and curriculum planning for either elementary or secondary education. Additional emphasis include planning a production season, arts management and budgeting, using national and state content and performance standards, assessing student growth, and developing community advocacy plans. Prerequisite: THEA 1100.

3650. Theatre for Young Audiences: Plays and Production. 3. Highlights aspects of performance and directing for child audiences. Students will explore the work of outstanding contemporary playwrights who are writing for young audiences, and develop techniques in writing, acting, and directing for and with young people. Prerequisite: THEA 1100.

3730. Intermediate Acting. 3. Develops the actor's voice and body for characterization and character interaction through performance of scenes. Study of character and scene analysis. Prerequisites: THEA 1100. (Normally offered fall semester)

3740. Acting Styles. 3. Focuses on textual analysis of plays from different periods and styles of dramatic literature. Emphasizes vocal and physical interpretation of character as represented in non-realistic styles of drama. Prerequisites: THEA 1100 and 3730. (Normally offered alternating spring semesters)

3750. Acting for the Camera. 3. Addresses performance skills required in acting for the camera. Covers various techniques, styles, and skills necessary to be successful in the professional world of film and television as an actor. Students perform scenes for 3-camera and single camera set-ups, and become familiar with rudimentary technical skills as crewmembers for shoots. Lecture and test material cover career opportunities, union affiliations, and current trends in the film and television industry. Prerequisites: THEA 1100 and 3730.

3790. Stage Management. 3. Study of the essential elements of supervising theatrical productions. Stresses the art of organizing auditions, casts, crews, rehearsals, and performances while developing a unique professional relationship with directors, designers and actors. Students will work on a live production. Prerequisites: THEA 1100, 1200, 2220.

3820 [4840]. Stage Costuming I. 3. A study of basic drawing and rendering skills, and a selective study of historical silhouettes. Objectives include the ability to trust instinct, application of the basic elements of design, applying historical reference and research to a specific character, developing a concept and finally the application of these principles to a final project. Prerequisite: THEA 1100. (Normally offered fall semester)

3840. Historical Costumes from the Skin Out. 3. Learning how to replicate period gowns and undergarments prior to the 1920s by draping and flat-patterning techniques. Includes the research and construction of one complete set of period undergarments and gown either as an individual or in a team to be determined by the complexity of the garment and the skill level of the students. Prerequisite: FCSC 3174 (4170) or FCSC 3175.

3850. Design and Technology Seminar. 2. Introduces designer/technician to process of preparing successful interview material, including a professionally developed portfolio. Exposes designer/technician to business aspects of the theatre world, including resumes, letters of inquiry and application, contracts, unions and professional organizations, internships, apprenticeships, URTAs and professional design/technical training programs. Culminates in junior End-of-the-Year Evaluations. Prerequisite: junior standing in the BFA Program with Design/Technical emphasis.

3890. Lighting CADD. 3. Designed for the advanced lighting student, provides further exploration of the computer technology that has become so critical for modern lighting design. Introduces students to software programs such as VectorWorks, Lightwright, and Photoshop, as well as networking and advanced programming for modern light boards. Prerequisites: THEA 2250 and 2800.

3910 [591]. 20th Century Theatre Diversity. 3. [C3<>(none)] Studies plays and production techniques, within the context of historical and sociological events, as developed in the 20th Century that has led to the cultural diversity seen in modern theatre. Prerequisite: junior standing. (Normally offered spring semester)

3950. Dialects for the Actor. 3. Introduces the actor to five major dialects for the stage. Examines sensibility, vowel and consonant changes, pitch placement and charting. Prerequisites: THEA 1100, 1700, and 2170.

4001. Historical Dance. 1-2 (Max. 2). Historical dance forms in the "Noble Style" dating from the 15th through 18th Centuries. Class work covers the relationship of musical forms to the specific step vocabulary and dances of each period, deportment, period costume as it relates to movement, social environment, period style with an emphasis on reconstruction of 17th and 18th Century dances from Feuillet notation. Prerequisite: THEA 3420.

4230. Greek Tragedy. 3. Reading and discussion of major plays by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, together with examination of the performance and social context of Greek drama, its use of traditional myths, and selected issues in contemporary scholarship on the tragedies. Cross listed with CLAS/ENGL 4230. Prerequisite: 3 hours of classics courses. (Offered in spring in alternate years)

4330. History of American Musical Theatre. 3. [(none)<>WC] History of the American Musical from its inception to today. Emphasis on developments and literature. Prerequisites: THEA 2010, 2020, 6 hours in theatre at the 3000-level. (Normally offered alternating fall semesters)

4500. Advanced Playwriting. 3. An intensive continuation of THEA 3500. Focuses on the creation, analysis and rewriting of play script(s), culminating in a public reading or performance of the script(s). Prerequisite: THEA 2030.

4600. Teaching Theatre Artists: Service Learning in the Community. 3. Focus on Service Learning in the Community. Students will have the opportunity to observe various settings in the community of development of theatre program. Some areas of observation and practicum include drama/theatre-in-education, community-issue-focused-theatre, and theatre with special populations, crisis prevention, drama therapy, Preventive Medical Agencies, etc. Prerequisite: THEA 1100.

4700. Auditioning and Careers in Dance. 1. Designed for dance majors as a culminating course in preparation for final semester auditions and applications for companies and graduate schools. Through this course, students will set career goals, create an audition portfolio, and gain exposure to the many challenges and opportunities in dance. Prerequisites: senior standing, THEA 1021, and one semester of THEA 4010 or 4030.

4810. Advanced Scenic Design. 3. Explores alternate styles of scenic design in the realization of a design for a complete stage setting. Emphasis in course work will be on creating the portfolio. Prerequisite: THEA 3810. (Offered alternating spring semesters)

4830. Directing II. 3. Focuses on creative process of developing directorial concepts, establishing the world and style of the play, working with the actor, and functioning as a designer. Includes exercises that analyze different directorial approaches, as well as the audition and casting process. Culminates one-act mounted production performed before invited audience. Prerequisites: THEA 4820 and written permission of instructor. (Normally offered alternating spring semesters)

4845. Costume Fit and Alteration. 3. Focuses on fitting modern clothing and historical costumes to individuals. Students learn how to identify fit issues in a fitting, make the proper corrections and fit the garment again. Students use a combination of previously constructed garments and also pattern garments to fit. Prerequisite: FCSC 3174 (4170) or FCSC 3175.

4930. Theatre History I. 3. [C1, W3<>WC] First semester of a one-year series. Surveys theatrical and dramatic practices from origins of Western European theatre to the theatre of the avant-garde. Specifically focuses on the climate of ideas and theoreticians, theatrical practitioners and audiences. Prerequisites: THEA 2010, 2020, 6 hours in theatre at 3000-level. (Normally offered alternating fall semesters)

4960. Senior Project. 1-3 (Max. 3). Exercise in the practical application of production, centered on a UW production, either main stage or studio. It may deal with design in scenery, costumes, properties, sound, makeup, playwriting, technical direction, directing, dance pedagogy, or choreography. The project is intended to be a "real" exercise in theatrical production. Prerequisites: none.

4990. Research in Theatre. 1-3 (Max. 6). Prerequisite: 6 hours in area of research and consent of instructor.